Live and Heal with Elderberry

Elderberry is an herbal shrub, which has been used throughout history to aid in fighting colds, bring down fevers, aid with skin problems…the branches were used to make baskets and arrows. THIS PLANT HAS BECOME MY FAVORITE HERB!! Elderberry has been used by European villagers, Native Americans, and Switzerland dwellers for many centuries.

According to the USDA, elderberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which enhance the immune system, naturally. The flowers of the shrub contain flavonoids and rutin, which also aid in improving immune function. This plant also has anti inflammatory and anti viral abilities; in clinical trials liners taking elderberry recovered from the flu faster than clients not using it.

The first time I tried elderberry syrup when trying to get over a cold I felt immediately better (night and day experience); I have used it ever since. Ever since that moment I have added ELDERBERRY SYRUP AND TEA to my herbal medicine cabinet. I reach for it when ever anyone in my family is either sick or going to be around others who are sick. My son loves drinking elderberry tea when having a sore throat and taking the syrup in the morning and night when not feeling well. This herb is also one I give to all my friends and family.

Elderberry grows wildly throughout the US and Canada; you can even grow it in your own home. By planting it in the Fall or Spring, you could have white blooms by the next late spring/ early summer. This shrub is low maintenance and can be cared for even without having the greenest thumb.

DIY…You can make your own elderberry syrup from home.

• You will need Elderberry flowers (cleaned and rinsed in a 1/2 gallon jar)

• 2 sliced lemons

• Juice from 2 oranges or citrus packet

• 4 1/8 cups of water

In a sauce pan, boil water with sugar for several min to create a syrup. Add orange juice and let cool. And pore into jar with elderberry flowers and lemons. Let it sit for 2-3 Days in the sun AND you will have your own homemade elderberry syrup after you remove the flowers and lemons. Make sure you store it in the fridge.

Safety…If you plan on growing your own elderberry shrub make sure you are using ripe berries. Unripened berries can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrea. Other than using unripened fruit, it is pretty safe.

The next time you go into a health food store, farmers market, or search online. Pick up some Elderberry syrup and tea to add to your medicine cabinet. You will be glad you did.

There are many more ways you can use herbs and essential oils on your wellness journey. Increasing the strength of your immune system is only one. I have enjoyed seeing the change in my family after using Essential Oils and increasing herbal use. Don’t be afraid to try them out. The benefits of just one drop essential oils are really Amazing. I hope everyone stays well this season. The fight is not over.

Thank you,

Jasmine Hutchinson RN. BSN. PHN

If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links.

Disclaimer… This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.